8 Simple Icon Hacks to Make Your Infographics Shine

Icons are to infographics, like apples are to cider. One always requires the other.

But proper icon usage doesn’t always come naturally for everyone. When used well, icons can make the information on your infographics truly pop, but when used poorly, your infographics will just look sloppy and unprofessional.

You really don’t need to be a design to create infographics that people love.

1. Add a Circle Background

Sometimes, an icon on its own can be underwhelming when placed in your infographic. Have you ever dragged one into your canvas and just thought to yourself that something seemed off?

By adding a circle background to your icons, you can make the central image pop. This is because you are creating some negative space around your icon of choice, and pulling in the focus.

Here are some possible ways you can use a circle background to add focus to an icon.

2. Offset Backgrounds

An offset background is when you use a shape in the background of your main icon to add depth.

This is an example of an offset background:

Notice how the different shapes help give the icon a new look and fill in some of the empty space around it. Depending on the background of your canvas, you can create some very cool blending effects as well, like the one below.

The image on the left completely blends in with the background, giving it a clean and unified look. The icon on the right still works, but pops out instead.

3. Use a Square Background

Similarly to the circle background, a square background will also add some negative space around your icon. Using a square background works particularly well with icons that have no fill or border.

Here is an example of square background styles:

4. Choose Contrasting Colors

What’s important to understand is that icons should be eye-catching but not distracting. The colors you choose should follow the same principle.

5. Play with Oversized Icons

When using backgrounds to enhance your icons, you can oversize the icons to create new perspective.

Here is an example:

This style of icon use works well in titles or to use with text labels.

6. Use Varied Background Shapes

Another method of using backgrounds with icons is to change the shape of the background. If you’re creating a numbered list, or process infographic, this style can help create a structured flow and ease the readability of your infographic.

Many logo designers use different background shapes with icons as well.

7. Try Double Icons

I love using double icons, or double text widgets to add texture to an image. This is done by overlaying a smaller version of an icon on top of a larger version of the same icon.

Here is an example of what that would look like:

What this does is give your icon a completely unique look with a strong focal point. If you want to create an icon border, this method is both subtle but aesthetically pleasing.

8. Use Half Backgrounds

Finally, you can use half backgrounds to place your icon on a pedestal.

If you want to give direction to your icons, this can be particularly useful. Notice how the last example can also be used to stylize an arrow.

Conclusion

Whether you are a professional designer, or a marketer simply trying to create better visuals for your blog or for social media, these eight simple hacks can really bring a new and professional look to your infographics. They will help you transform a seemingly basic icon into a creative illustration.

Sometimes the easiest solutions are right beneath our noses. If you have any other icon hacks that you’d like to share, please include them in the comments!

Nadya Khoja contributes a monthly column on Infographics. Nadya is a Visual Content and Digital Marketing Specialist. She is part of the team at Venngage, an online infographic maker. Nadya has a B.A. with Specialized Honours in Devised Theatre and a Master's Degree in Digital Media with a focus on Audience Engagement and Immersive Experiences. When she has time, Nadya directs, produces and sound designs for experimental and interactive performances.

About Nadya Khoja

Nadya Khoja contributes a monthly column on Infographics. Nadya is a Visual Content and Digital Marketing Specialist. She is part of the team at Venngage, an online infographic maker. Nadya has a B.A. with Specialized Honours in Devised Theatre and a Master's Degree in Digital Media with a focus on Audience Engagement and Immersive Experiences. When she has time, Nadya directs, produces and sound designs for experimental and interactive performances.

Comments

Hey Nadya, Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post. I did not know some points like playing with oversized Icons and using half backgrounds. I will try to implement it in my next infographic. Good post.